FRANK ISAAK

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

FRANK ISAAK July 25, 1925 May 25, 2012 Peacefully, with his family by his side, Frank Isaak passed away on Friday, May 25, 2012 at the Christine Morrison Hospice in Mission, British Columbia. He will be missed by his children, Ruth Braun (Clarence), Irene Schellenberg (Jack), Don Isaak (Lorraine); nine grandchildren, Christopher Braun (Kelly), Carl Braun (Peggy), Lisa Schellenberg, Carrie Schellenberg Wilson (Scott), John Schellenberg (Tara), Annalee Schellenberg (Chris), Jeremy Isaak (Jennifer), Patricia Mathison (Mark), Heather Thiessen (John); and 19 great-grandchildren. Also surviving him are his brothers, Peter Isaak (Hildegard), Jake Isaak (Irene), sister, Agatha Dueck, dearly loved brother-in-law, John Froese, many nieces and nephews, the Schroeder family including Bob and Mary Loewen, Len and Mary Schroeder and Harold Schroeder. He was predeceased by his first wife, Irma in 1985, second wife, Sally in 2009, brothers Abe, John, Henry, and sisters, Frieda Toews, Mary Loewen and Catherine Froese. Frank Isaak was born in the former Soviet Union and immigrated to Canada with his parents when he was one year old. He grew up on a farm near Niverville, Manitoba and graduated from the Mennonite Collegiate Institute in Gretna. He worked on the family farm and at Redekop Lumber in Winnipeg for a few years, prior to enrolling in Normal School to train as a teacher. Frank taught in small one-room schools in rural Manitoba for several years before taking a teaching position in Winnipeg in 1951. While teaching full time, he continued his studies at the University of Manitoba, earning several degrees. He enjoyed a long term of service in the field of education until his retirement in 1980. Following his retirement he worked at the Mennonite Central Committee Canada offices in Winnipeg for three years. Frank Isaak and Irma Dueck were married August 3, 1947. Three children were born into the family: Ruth, Irene and Don. They attended North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church until a decision was made to start a new English-speaking congregation. Frank and Irma were charter members of the River East Mennonite Brethren Church. In 1975 Irma was diagnosed with lymphoma. She passed away in 1985. Early in 1986, Frank moved to Abbotsford and, later that year, he went to China as a volunteer with Mennonite Central Committee to teach English. While in China, he communicated with long time friend Sally Schroeder who was working with HCJB in Ecuador. This led to their marriage in August 1987. They chose to make Abbotsford their home. Sally passed away in 2009. Frank was active in the Abbotsford community, providing transportation for cancer patients and regularly donated blood for Canadian Blood Services. He was a faithful member of Bakerview Mennonite Brethren Church and a care group leader. He valued service to others, not as a sacrifice, but as a privilege. For the last five years of his life, Frank was an out patient at the Renal Clinic, first at New Westminster and, more recently at the Abbotsford Regional Hospital (ARH). Eventually the dialysis was no longer effective. The family is grateful for the support, love and prayers that have been received throughout Frank's illness. In particular our thanks to the staff at the Renal Clinic, Baker and Cheam wards at ARH. Special thanks for the compassionate care Frank and the family received at the Christine Morrison Hospice in Mission. Memorial Service was held at Bakerview Mennonite Brethren Church on Thursday, May 31 at 10:30 a.m. Interment will take place at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens in Winnipeg on Saturday, June 2 , 2012 at 1:30 pm. Donations in memory of Frank Isaak may be made to the Mennonite Central Committee, 134 Plaza Drive, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 1Z6. Tributes and condolences may be left at: www.hendersonsabbotsfordfunerals.com Henderson's Funeral Home 604-854-5534

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 31, 2012